There is a gradual climate change afoot in the world of Big
V-Twins. In ever increasing numbers, cruiser connoisseurs are dismounting their
classically styled leviathans in favor of leaner, custom-inspired beasts that
emphasize outlaw sneer and adrenal performance over bulky heirloom styling. This
environmental shift points to a global cooling trend throughout showrooms in
2008—and we’re not referring to sales figures. The latest example of this
bad-attitude adjustment arrives in the form of the angular, raked 2008 Raider
from Star Motorcycles. 
The move into factory-custom chopper territory is a natural one
for Star. Throughout its brief history, the Yamaha-parented marque has focused
on crafting stylish machines that lend themselves to personalization. Best known
for the Roadliner and Stratoliner—ornate Chrysler Building-on-wheels
cruisers—Star has taken the magnificent 113 cu in V-Twin engine that powers
those hulking classics and wrapped it in jagged, custom lines to create the
Raider, a motorcycle that is as visually and sonically arresting as it is
exhilarating to ride. (Click image to enlarge)
The Raider rolls in two persuasions: The base model is
primarily attired in blacked-out accents, while the Raider S gleams with chrome
engine trim, headlight, risers, fork sliders, triple clamps, air box cover, and
subdued flamework as an option. Fit and finish on both models inspires a good
deal of crouched appreciation.
Star describes the Raider’s barbed, angular styling as "Black
Art." No, we’re not talking Harlem Renaissance or Basquiat here, but rather a
medieval gothic, swords and scimitars aesthetic. Pointy details are evident
throughout the bike’s rapacious profile, from headlight bracket to fender
struts. Even the footpegs received an edgy makeover. Gently rounded curves need
not apply for citizenship in Raider Nation.
 RIDING STYLE
Helmet: Shoei RJ-Platinum R
Eyewear: Harley-Davidson Profile
Jacket: Star Tech Leather
Gloves: Star Basic Leather
Pants: Lucky Brand 181 Jeans
Boots: Wesco Boss (Click image to enlarge)
The bike’s goth-custom stance works hand in gauntlet with its
rebel ergonomics. The Raider’s silhouette was designed to resemble a jet lifting
off the runway, suggesting a sense of speed and independence, while creating a
low-slung 27.3-inch seat and elevating the 4.1-gallon tank into the rider’s
landscape. The internally wired pullback bars are nearly shoulder-high and cast
the rider into a lock-up-your-daughters, fists-forward slouch. It just so
happens that the one-percenter stance is extremely comfortable over daylong
rides, particularly in the lumbar-friendly Raider saddle.
A lunging 40-degree fork angle was achieved by setting the rake
at 34 degrees and kicking the yoke out six additional clicks. This equation
allowed Star designers to keep the fork closer to the steering axis while
squeezing the most out of the bike’s handling characteristics. The forward span
also contributes to the bike’s rangy 71-inch wheelbase. Traditional custom
design is quoted in touches such as the finned oil tank and the sizeable amount
of daylight between the steering head and engine.
The engine in question is certainly deserving of the fastidious
attention paid to its surroundings. Brawny and responsive in the low end, the
motor reaches maximum torque at a scant 2500 rpm and achieves its power
potential at 4500 rpm. Twin counterbalancers subdue the rowdy mill into
delivering a smooth pulse through the seat and grips. The down-swept pipes spit
a burly rumble onto the pavement.
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